Swan Lake

I saw Swan Lake last night at the new Slovak National Theatre. Every seat was filled. I love Swan Lake as much as the next person, but this was a stunning contrast with the half-empty house two nights earlier for Warhol.

Pictures were not allowed during the performance, but flashbulbs went off like crazy during the final curtain call, so I sneaked a shot, too. You can see the huge stage and orchestra pit, as well as the very effective set for the final scene by the lake.

A photo montage in the lobby gives a sense of the production. The lead role of Odette-Odile was danced by Alexandra Timoffeva with extraordinary technique and an other-wordly shimmering presence worthy of the bravas she received all evening. The production values throughout (sets, lighting, costumes) were first-class. The all-important corps of swans was impressive, although a few of the second-tier soloists were not ready for prime-time.

Here is my view from the fourth row center of the balcony. It doesn't get much better -- especially for a ticket that cost only 200 SKK (about $8). I was impressed to see so many young people, both boys and girls, sitting in the balcony. I would expect to see groups of young girls at an American performance of Swan Lake, but I would be shocked to see so many young boys.

I posted several photos of the theatre interior a couple of days ago. Here's a shot of the night-lit exterior entrance. Smokers are outside, as this is a no-smoking building, even in the cafe/bar areas.

Serious balletomanes will share my surprise that this company performs the Soviet ending (in which the Prince defeats Rothbart in the here-and-now) instead of the traditional Russian ending (in which the Prince and Swan commit suicide by diving into the lake to escape their torment here in an afterlife together). But I understand from recent published reviews that even the Kirov Ballet from St. Petersburg still performs the Soviet ending. Some things inherited from the Communists are apparently worth keeping.

NOTE: Click on any image in this blog to see it full-size.